Best Bone Broth Brands That Deliver Real Results

Understanding Bone Broth: What Makes the Best Bone Broth Worth Buying?

The best bone broth delivers a rich, complex flavor profile alongside genuine nutritional benefits – and finding it doesn't have to be complicated. As someone who's spent years exploring bone broth both professionally and personally through my journey with gut health, I've discovered that truly exceptional bone broth comes down to quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and brands that prioritize both taste and function.

Key Takeaways

• The best bone broth offers a rich and complex flavor along with real nutritional benefits.
• Finding high-quality bone broth does not have to be complicated.
• Exceptional bone broth relies on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
• Top brands prioritize both taste and functional health benefits.
• Personal experience with gut health highlights the importance of choosing the right bone broth.

Whether you're looking to support digestive health, boost your protein intake, or simply enjoy a warm, nourishing beverage, the right bone broth can be a game-changer in your kitchen and wellness routine.

What Is Bone Broth (And Why Quality Matters)

Bone broth is much more than just flavored water. It's a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period – typically 12-24 hours or longer. This slow cooking process extracts collagen, amino acids, and minerals from the bones, creating a liquid that's both flavorful and nutritionally dense.

Unlike regular stocks or broths which cook for just a few hours, true bone broth requires patience. The extended simmering time is what transforms ordinary stock into the golden elixir that health enthusiasts and chefs alike have come to treasure.

This distinction matters because many products labeled as "bone broth" on store shelves don't deliver the real thing. Some cut corners with shorter cooking times or use additives to mimic the rich mouthfeel that should come naturally from collagen extraction.

What Makes the Best Bone Broth Stand Out

When evaluating the best bone broth brands, we look for several key factors that separate exceptional products from mediocre ones:

Quality Ingredients Start with Quality Bones

The foundation of any great bone broth begins with the bones themselves. The best bone broth brands use:

• Bones from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals
• Organic vegetables for flavor development
• Clean, recognizable ingredients without fillers or "natural flavors"
• No added preservatives, MSG, or artificial ingredients

When animals are raised on their natural diet in appropriate environments, their bones contain higher levels of nutrients that ultimately end up in your broth. This is why grass-fed beef bones and pasture-raised chicken bones consistently produce superior bone broth.

Traditional Preparation Methods

The best bone broth brands honor time-tested techniques:

• Extended simmering (minimum 12-24 hours for chicken, 24+ hours for beef)
• Careful temperature control to extract maximum nutrients without destroying them
• Small-batch production that allows for quality oversight
• Minimal processing after the cooking process

This patient approach allows for maximum extraction of collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals – the very elements that make bone broth beneficial.

Nutritional Profile Worth the Investment

Premium bone broth offers significant nutritional advantages:

• High protein content (typically 8-10g per serving in quality broths)
• Rich source of collagen and gelatin
• Contains glycine, proline, and glutamine – amino acids that support gut health
• Naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals
• Low in sodium compared to conventional broths and stocks

When evaluating bone broth nutrition labels, look for protein content as a key indicator of quality. Higher protein generally correlates with better collagen extraction and overall nutritional value.

The Best Bone Broth Brands Worth Your Money

After extensive testing and research, we've identified several standout bone broth brands that deliver exceptional quality, taste, and nutritional benefits.

Gourmend Foods: Best for Digestive Health

Gourmend Foods offers certified organic bone broths specifically formulated for people with digestive sensitivities. Their chicken and beef bone broths are:

• Certified low FODMAP (free from common digestive triggers)
• Made with USDA Organic certified, grass-fed beef and humanely raised chickens
• Simmered for 16+ hours to extract maximum nutrients
• Flavored with gut-friendly alternatives to onion and garlic (using chives, scallion tops and leek greens instead)
• Free from additives, preservatives, and "natural flavors"
• Left unsalted for complete cooking and sipping flexibility (not to mention heart health)

What sets Gourmend apart is their commitment to both exceptional flavor and digestive comfort. Their broths use innovative ingredients like nori seaweed and oyster mushrooms to create rich umami flavor without the digestive discomfort that garlic and onion can cause for many people.

The result is a bone broth that's not just nutritious but truly functional – supporting gut health while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. For those with IBS or food sensitivities, this makes Gourmend a clear frontrunner.

Other Quality Bone Broth Options

While each has its strengths, these brands also deliver excellent bone broth:

• Brodo: Known for chef-created flavors and traditional preparation methods
• Bonafide Provisions: Offers frozen bone broths with excellent gelation
• FOND: Features unique flavor infusions using herbs and spices
• Osso Good: Produces paleo-certified bone broths in small batches

Each of these brands maintains good standards for ingredient sourcing and traditional preparation methods, though none are low FODMAP certified and all are very high in sodium making them less beneficial for both gut and overall health. Most are not certified USDA organic either – something we feel is very important to look for, especially with animal products.

The Best Bones for Bone Broth: What to Look For

Whether you're buying prepared bone broth or making your own, understanding which bones create the best results is essential knowledge. For a closer look at using bone broth in recipes, check out our low FODMAP chicken noodle soup guide.

Best Beef Bones for Bone Broth

The most nutritious beef bone broth comes from a mix of bones:

• Knuckle bones: High in collagen and gelatin
• Marrow bones: Contribute rich flavor and healthy fats
• Joint bones: Contain cartilage that adds glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
• Meaty bones: Add depth of flavor and additional protein

The best beef bone broth typically includes a mix of these bone types rather than just one. This variety ensures a balanced nutritional profile and complex flavor development.

Best Chicken Bones for Bone Broth

For chicken bone broth, look for:

• Whole chicken carcasses: Provide balanced flavor and nutrients
• Chicken feet: Extraordinarily high in collagen
• Chicken backs: Contain good amounts of meat, fat, and connective tissue
• Chicken necks: Rich in collagen and add depth of flavor

Quality chicken bone broth often includes feet specifically for their collagen content, which creates that desirable gel-like consistency when refrigerated – a visual indicator of a properly made bone broth.

Why Sourcing Matters for Bone Quality

The quality of the animals' lives directly impacts the nutritional value of their bones. The best bone broth starts with:

• Grass-fed and grass-finished beef bones (not just grass-fed)
• Pasture-raised chicken bones from birds with outdoor access
• Organic certification to ensure no pesticide residues
• Bones from animals raised without hormones or antibiotics

These standards ensure you're getting bones with optimal nutrient density and minimal unwanted compounds. Remember, what the animal eats and how it lives becomes concentrated in the bones – and ultimately, in your broth.

Where to Buy the Best Bone Broth

Finding high-quality bone broth has become easier as more retailers recognize consumer demand for these products. Here's where to look:

Online Options for Premium Bone Broth

For the widest selection and often the freshest products, online shopping offers advantages:

• Direct from manufacturers: Companies like Gourmend Foods offer their full product line through their websites, often with subscription options that provide convenience and savings
• Amazon: Offers many shelf-stable options with customer reviews
• Thrive Market: Curated selection of health-focused brands
• Specialty online retailers: Sites focusing on paleo, keto, or clean eating often carry premium bone broth

Buying directly from manufacturers typically ensures the freshest product and often provides the best value, especially with subscription options that many brands now offer.

The Real Benefits of Quality Bone Broth

When we talk about bone broth benefits, we're not just repeating wellness trends – there's substantial evidence behind why a quality bone broth deserves a place in your kitchen. The best bone broths deliver a powerful combination of nutrients that support overall wellness. For a detailed overview, see this Harvard Health article on bone broth benefits.

Supporting Digestive Health

One of the most celebrated benefits of bone broth is its potential to support digestive health. The gelatin and amino acids in properly prepared bone broth can help:

• Soothe the digestive tract lining
• Support healthy gut bacteria balance
• Reduce inflammation in the digestive system
• Improve nutrient absorption

This is why bone broth has become such a staple for people managing digestive issues. The amino acid glycine, abundant in bone broth, helps stimulate stomach acid production – something many people with digestive complaints actually need more of, not less.

Collagen: The Star Nutrient in Bone Broth

Quality bone broth is one of the richest food sources of collagen, which breaks down during cooking into gelatin. This provides:

• Support for skin elasticity and hydration
• Building blocks for joint cartilage repair
• Amino acids that aren't abundant in muscle meat
• Protein that's easily digestible, even for sensitive systems

The best bone broth brands ensure maximum collagen extraction through proper cooking methods. When refrigerated, a good bone broth will gel – that's the visual evidence of high collagen content, and it's something to look for when assessing quality.

Why Organic Bone Broth Matters

The best bone broth brands prioritize organic ingredients, and for good reason. Organic certification ensures:

Reduced Toxin Exposure

Bones can store heavy metals and other environmental toxins that animals are exposed to during their lives. Organic certification means:

• No synthetic pesticides or herbicides in the animals' feed
• No antibiotics or added hormones in the animals' systems
• Reduced exposure to environmental contaminants
• Stricter standards for animal welfare and living conditions

Since bone broth is made by extracting compounds from bones over many hours, starting with the cleanest possible ingredients is essential for creating the best bone broth. If you're looking for a high-quality option, consider organic chicken bone broth or organic beef bone broth from Gourmend Foods.

Superior Nutritional Density

Research consistently shows that organically raised animals produce meat and bones with different nutritional profiles than conventionally raised animals. Organic bone broth typically offers:

• Higher omega-3 fatty acid content
• Better mineral composition
• More balanced nutrient ratios
• Richer flavor from naturally raised animals

These differences become concentrated in bone broth, making organic certification a worthwhile investment for both taste and nutritional benefits.

Finding the Best Bone Broth for Your Specific Needs

Different bone broths excel for different purposes. Here's how to choose based on your specific goals:

Best Bone Broth for Gut Health

If digestive wellness is your primary concern, look for:

• Certified low FODMAP bone broths (like Gourmend Foods) that avoid common digestive triggers
• Products with higher gelatin content for gut-soothing properties
• Broths made without onion, garlic, or additives that can irritate sensitive digestive systems
• Clean ingredient lists without preservatives or flavor enhancers

For many people with IBS or other digestive sensitivities, the absence of certain ingredients can be just as important as what's included. This is where specialized broths really shine. You can also explore gut-friendly bone broth recipes for inspiration.

Best Bone Broth for Culinary Applications

When cooking is your primary focus, consider:

• Broths with balanced flavor profiles that complement rather than dominate dishes
• Unseasoned or lightly seasoned options that give you control over the final dish
• Products with consistent quality for reliable recipe results
• Broths that maintain their flavor when reduced for sauces

The best bone broth for cooking provides a foundation of rich, clean flavor that elevates everything from risotto to braised vegetables without overwhelming the dish with its own character. For example, try it in this low FODMAP turkey chicken gravy recipe.

Best Bone Broth for Protein Supplementation

If you're using bone broth primarily as a protein source:

• Look for products with higher protein content (10g+ per serving)
• Consider concentrated or powdered options for maximum protein density
• Choose unflavored varieties that can be added to smoothies or other foods
• Select broths with complete amino acid profiles

The protein in bone broth is particularly valuable because it comes packaged with complementary nutrients that support protein utilization in the body.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making the Right Choice

Many bone broth enthusiasts debate whether homemade or commercial products deliver better results. Here's an honest assessment:

The Appeal of Homemade Bone Broth

Making your own bone broth offers certain advantages:

• Complete control over ingredients and quality
• Ability to customize flavor profiles to your preference
• Potential cost savings, especially when using bones you'd otherwise discard
• The satisfaction of creating something nourishing from scratch

However, homemade bone broth requires significant time investment, produces strong cooking odors, and demands careful sourcing of quality bones – obstacles that make quality commercial options appealing for many.

When Quality Commercial Broths Make Sense

The best bone broth brands offer compelling benefits:

• Consistent quality and nutrient density
• Convenience that makes regular consumption realistic
• Professional production methods that maximize nutrient extraction
• Specialized formulations (like low FODMAP options) that can be difficult to create at home

For many people, the consistency, convenience, and specialized benefits of premium commercial bone broths outweigh the advantages of homemade – especially when integrated into a busy lifestyle. For a thorough discussion of homemade versus store-bought, see this Cleveland Clinic overview of bone broth.

Creative Ways to Use Bone Broth Beyond Sipping

While drinking bone broth straight is popular, the best bone broth can elevate countless dishes:

Culinary Applications for Bone Broth

Quality bone broth can transform everyday cooking:

• Use as the liquid for cooking grains like rice, quinoa, or oats
• Create rich, flavorful sauces and gravies without added thickeners
• Braise vegetables or meats for enhanced flavor and nutrition
• Add to mashed potatoes or cauliflower instead of milk
• Use as the base for soups, stews, and chilis

The rich mouthfeel and depth of flavor that quality bone broth provides can reduce the need for added fats and salt in many recipes, making it a valuable tool for health-conscious cooks. For more inspiration, try this low FODMAP chili con carne recipe featuring bone broth.

Simple Bone Broth Recipes to Try

These easy preparations showcase the versatility of bone broth:

• Morning Elixir: Warm bone broth with a squeeze of lemon, grated ginger, and a pinch of sea salt
• Savory Oatmeal: Cook steel-cut oats in bone broth, top with avocado, scallion greens, and a soft-boiled egg
• Quick Soup: Simmer bone broth with leafy greens, leftover protein, and fresh herbs for an instant nourishing meal
• Flavor Boost: Deglaze pans with bone broth to capture caramelized flavors when sautéing

These applications showcase how the best bone broth can serve as both a nutritional powerhouse and a culinary secret weapon in everyday cooking.

How to Store Bone Broth for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage ensures you get the most from your investment in quality bone broth:

Storage Options and Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Most opened bone broths stay fresh for 5-7 days in the refrigerator
• Freezing: Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds for convenient portion control; frozen broth maintains quality for 4-6 months
• Shelf-stable options: Unopened shelf-stable bone broths typically last 1-2 years
• Powdered forms: Generally maintain potency for 1+ year when properly stored

For maximum convenience, consider freezing bone broth in measured portions that match your typical usage – this allows you to thaw exactly what you need without waste.

How to Tell if Your Bone Broth is Still Good

Quality bone broth shows these characteristics when fresh:

• Clean, savory aroma without sour notes
• Clear appearance (may have some natural sediment)
• Gels when refrigerated (though not all broths gel equally)
• Consistent flavor profile without off-tastes

If your bone broth develops an off smell, unusual cloudiness, or mold, it's time to discard it. Trust your senses – they're generally reliable indicators of food quality.

Bone Broth for Fasting: What to Know

Bone broth has become popular in various fasting protocols. Here's what to consider:

Choosing the Best Bone Broth for Fasting

For fasting support, look for bone broths that are:

• Higher in protein (8-10g per serving) to help maintain muscle mass
• Free from added sugars or carbohydrates
• Rich in electrolytes to support hydration
• Easily digestible without triggering significant insulin response

Many people find that bone broth helps make fasting more sustainable by providing essential nutrients and reducing hunger without technically breaking the fast (though opinions vary on this among fasting experts). For additional insights into the health impacts of bone broth, see this MD Anderson review on bone broth and health.

Comparing the Best Bone Broth Brands on the Market

After exploring the benefits and uses of bone broth, let's dive into what makes certain brands stand out from the crowd. The best bone broth brands combine quality ingredients, thoughtful production methods, and exceptional flavor profiles.

What Sets the Best Bone Broth Brands Apart

When we evaluate bone broth brands, several factors consistently distinguish the exceptional from the merely adequate:

• Sourcing transparency (where and how the bones are obtained)
• Cooking method and duration (longer is typically better)
• Ingredient quality (organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised)
• Absence of fillers, preservatives, and "natural flavors"
• Nutrient density (protein content, collagen levels)

The best bone broth brands don't cut corners on these elements, even though maintaining these standards often results in a higher price point.

Gourmend Foods: A Standout for Sensitive Stomachs

For those with digestive sensitivities or IBS, Gourmend Foods offers a truly exceptional option. Their bone broths are:

• Certified low FODMAP, making them suitable for those following elimination diets
• Made with organic ingredients throughout
• Free from common digestive triggers like onion and garlic
• Rich in flavor despite avoiding high-FODMAP ingredients

Gourmend achieves impressive flavor without triggering ingredients by using clever alternatives like chives, leek greens, and scallion tops. Their bone broths gel beautifully when refrigerated – a visual indicator of high collagen content and proper preparation methods.

Taste Test: How Leading Brands Compare

Flavor matters – even the most nutritious bone broth won't deliver benefits if you don't enjoy drinking it. In our experience, the best bone broth brands offer:

• Clean, rich flavor without artificial notes
• Balanced seasoning that enhances rather than masks the broth
• Satisfying mouthfeel from natural gelatin content
• Versatility in both sipping and cooking applications

Gourmend's broths stand out for achieving remarkable depth of flavor without relying on high-FODMAP ingredients that can cause digestive distress. Their chicken bone broth offers a clean, roasted flavor, while their beef bone broth delivers rich umami notes enhanced by oyster mushrooms and nori seaweed.

Where to Buy the Best Bone Broth

Finding quality bone broth has become easier as more retailers recognize consumer demand for these products. Here's where to look:

Retail Options for Quality Bone Broth

The best bone broth brands are increasingly available through multiple channels:

• Natural food stores and co-ops (often with the widest selection)
• Conventional supermarkets (typically in the soup aisle or health food section)
• Specialty butcher shops (some offer house-made options)
• Farmers markets (from local producers)

When shopping in person, refrigerated bone broths generally offer superior quality to shelf-stable options, though there are exceptions – like Gourmend Foods, which maintains exceptional quality in a shelf-stable format.

Online Options for Convenience and Selection

For the widest selection and home delivery convenience, online purchasing offers clear advantages:

• Direct from manufacturer websites (often with subscription options)
• Natural foods online retailers
• Major e-commerce platforms
• Specialty food delivery services

Buying directly from brand websites typically provides the freshest product and often includes subscription options that can reduce cost while ensuring you never run out. Gourmend Foods offers convenient online ordering with subscription options that make maintaining your bone broth routine simple and cost-effective. To browse all options, visit the Gourmend Foods product collection.

Understanding Bone Types: What Makes the Best Bone Broth

The specific bones used fundamentally impact the quality, nutrition, and flavor of the resulting broth. The best bone broth brands carefully select their bone sources.

Optimal Bone Types for Maximum Nutrition

Different bones contribute different nutritional elements to broth:

• Joint bones (knuckles, feet, necks): Highest in collagen and gelatin
• Marrow bones: Rich in minerals and healthy fats
• Meaty bones: Contribute flavor and amino acids
• Mixed bones: Provide balanced nutrition and flavor

The best bone broth typically comes from a mix of these bone types rather than a single source. This creates a more complete nutritional profile and complex flavor. Gourmend Foods uses this approach in their broths, combining different bone types for optimal nutrition and taste.

Sourcing Standards That Matter

The quality of an animal's life directly impacts the nutritional value of its bones. Look for:

• Grass-fed and grass-finished for beef bones
• Pasture-raised for chicken and other poultry
• Organic certification to ensure clean feeding practices
• Transparency about farming partners and practices

These standards aren't just marketing points – they translate to measurable differences in nutrient composition, including higher omega-3 content and better mineral profiles in the resulting broth.

Making Bone Broth a Regular Part of Your Routine

Consistency is key to experiencing the benefits of bone broth. Here are practical ways to make it a regular part of your lifestyle:

Simple Daily Habits for Bone Broth Consumption

Create sustainable routines that make bone broth consumption automatic:

• Replace your morning coffee or afternoon tea with bone broth once or twice weekly
• Keep single-serve options at your desk for a nutritious mid-day boost
• Use bone broth as your liquid of choice when cooking grains or steaming vegetables
• Create a Sunday ritual of making a soup or stew with bone broth as the base

The easiest habit to maintain is one that fits naturally into your existing routine. Look for these integration points rather than trying to create entirely new habits. For more recipe ideas, explore our low FODMAP chicken tortillas recipe.

Cost-Effective Strategies for Regular Consumption

Quality bone broth is an investment in your health, but these approaches can make it more affordable:

• Subscribe to your favorite brand for recurring discounts (often 10-15%)
• Purchase in bulk during sales and freeze portions
• Use bone broth as a flavor foundation that reduces the need for other expensive ingredients
• Alternate between using bone broth for drinking and cooking to stretch your supply

Remember that the best bone broth is the one you'll actually use consistently. Finding the right balance of quality and affordability ensures you can maintain the habit long-term. For sitewide options and more information, visit the Gourmend Foods homepage.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Bone Broth Match

The best bone broth for you ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and health goals. Whether you prioritize digestive comfort, culinary versatility, or specific nutritional benefits, there's a quality option available.

For those with sensitive digestive systems or following specialized diets like low FODMAP, Gourmend Foods offers exceptional bone broths that deliver on both nutrition and flavor without common trigger ingredients. Their organic, clean-label approach ensures you're getting pure nutrition without additives or fillers.

Whatever brand you choose, look for transparency in sourcing, thoughtful ingredient selection, and production methods that maximize nutrient extraction. The best bone broth isn't just about what's included – it's also about what's left out.

By making quality bone broth a regular part of your routine – whether sipped straight, used in cooking, or incorporated into recipes – you're providing your body with a traditional food that supports modern wellness goals. Your future self will thank you for the investment in this simple but powerful addition to your health routine.

Check out our Broth Lover Bundle

Frequently Asked Questions

What brand of bone broth is best?

The best bone broth brand prioritizes organic, clean-label ingredients with no additives or preservatives, and uses green parts of scallions, chives, and leek tops instead of high-FODMAP onions for gut-friendly flavor. Gourmend Foods offers premium bone broths made with real bones and vegetables, crafted to deliver rich taste and digestive comfort, making it a top choice for those seeking quality and gut health.

What is the healthiest bone for broth?

Healthiest bone broth typically comes from bones rich in collagen and minerals, like marrow bones or knuckle bones from grass-fed animals. These bones release gelatin and nutrients during long simmering, supporting gut health and digestion. Choosing organic, grass-fed sources ensures fewer contaminants and higher nutrient quality.

Is it okay to drink bone broth everyday?

Drinking bone broth daily can be a nourishing addition to your diet, providing gentle, gut-friendly nourishment and amino acids that support digestion. It's a flavorful way to hydrate and add nutrients without discomfort, especially when choosing a low FODMAP option like Gourmend’s bone broths. Just be sure to listen to your body and balance it with a variety of whole foods.

Is store-bought bone broth healthy?

Store-bought bone broth can be healthy if it’s made with clean, organic ingredients and free from additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Many commercial brands include fillers or high-FODMAP ingredients like onion and garlic, which can trigger digestive symptoms. Opting for a brand like Gourmend ensures you get pure, gut-friendly broth with rich, natural flavor.

Is Swanson bone broth real bone broth?

Swanson offers bone broth products, but they often contain added ingredients and may not meet the highest standards for clean label or low FODMAP certification. Real bone broth should be made by simmering quality bones and vegetables for an extended period without artificial additives. For a truly authentic and gut-friendly option, choose a brand committed to organic, simple ingredients like Gourmend.

How can you tell if bone broth is high quality?

High-quality bone broth is made from organic, grass-fed bones and simmered long enough to extract collagen and minerals, resulting in a rich, gelatinous texture. It contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or high-FODMAP triggers like onion and garlic bulbs. Labels that list whole foods, transparent sourcing, and certifications like low FODMAP are good signs of quality broth.